NISSAN LEAF

Designed specifically for a lithium-ion battery-powered chassis, the new model Nissan LEAF N-Connecta is a medium-size hatchback that comfortably seats five adults and the new 2018 40kWh battery version has a range of up to 235 miles NEDC (our real-life estimate is more like 160 miles) on a single charge.

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When it comes to electric cars, performance isn’t just about how quickly you can speed up and slow down; it’s about how far you can get between charges. Nissan makes a bold claim of 235 miles – this, admittedly, is based on a wholly unrepresentative official European test cycle called the NEDC, but it’s still better than the 230 miles and 186 miles achieved by the Zoe and e-Golf respectively on the same test.

The Leaf is a great car that allows you to save money, mainly because you’ll be spending a lot less on fuel than you would in any petrol or diesel car.

Even based on our cold weather range tests and an electricity price of 13p per kWh, the Leaf will only add between around and £450 to your electricity bill every 10,000 miles.

Sign up to a special electricity deal with your provider and it'll get even cheaper!

The Nissan Leaf is a faster car than you might expect.

It'll sprint to 60mph in around 8 seconds and will outpace a Renault Zoe or Volkswagen E-Golf. Plus with the on-hand acceleration that comes from electric cars you'll soon see why the Leaf is no slouch.